1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 361 



Strawberries which are done with should be trenched down ; others 

 which are to stand should be cleared of all runners, mulching, decaying 

 leaves, &c., and the surface of the soil pointed ever with a fork, or the 

 hoe used freely. The more attention given now, the better will the 

 plants be able to give a good supply of fruit next season : plants in 

 preparation either for forcing or for planting out require liberal supplies 

 of water overhead as well as at their roots. Those in pots require turning 

 round, and the roots should be prevented from growing through. Cu- 

 cumbers w^hich have been bearing freely may be cut in a little, and a good 

 surfacing of turfy loam and a little decayed manure given. A good 

 watering with tepid water will be of great service w^here roots are very 

 plentiful, and a good lining of manure placed round the plants to en- 

 courage free growth. Thin Vegetable Marrows : they require plenty of 

 room to grow. When watering this class of plants, it is necessary to 

 find the extremities of the roots, as continued watering near the necks 

 of the plants, leaving the feeders to perish, soon brings on disease. Trees 

 require to be looked over, taking away any leaves or shoots that may 

 be shading the fruit, pushing them aside, or taking them off if they can 

 be spared. Summer nailing, tying, &c., are generally finished this 

 month, so that the shoots may have the full benefit of the walls w^hile 

 there is sun to prepare them for fruiting. Flies, wasps, and birds are 

 generally great enemies in gardens at this season. Hexagon netting 

 or some other material should be used, or there wall be much of the 

 best of the fruit destroyed. If the w^eather should be dry, liberal 

 soakings of water should be given to young trees ; and a good washing 

 with a garden engine will be of great service in destroying greenfly, 

 red-spider, and dust. 



Anemone and Ranunculus seed may be sown early in the month (if 

 not already done). Any of the common roots may be sown in rows in 

 an open border, but the finer kinds should be sown in pans or boxes, 

 or where they can be attended and protected if necessary. Auriculas 

 can be potted now if they require it : their roots should be examined, 

 and if healthy, and the pots are not well filled, they had better remain as 

 they are. A shift to a larger-sized pot is necessary when there are 

 plenty of healthy feeders ; when any of them are unhealthy, the sour 

 soil may be taken carefully away, and good turfy loam and a little sand 

 substituted. Re-pot in same sized or smaller pots, giving plenty of 

 drainage : though loam and good rotten dung is often used when pot- 

 ting Auriculas, it is better to leave out the manure when roots are un- 

 healthy, and cannot consume it. Attend to layering Carnations and 

 Picotees, if not already done. Water carefully those which are rooting. 

 Dahlias, Hollyhocks, and all border plants, should have all decaying 

 flowers taken off as soon as they are observed, and should be well secured 



